Atlanta news, Georgia news, Breaking news from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

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OPINION

Murphy: The 2020 election interference case is gone, but it can’t be forgotten

The decision by a Georgia prosecutor not to pursue the massive Trump election interference case leaves some bad deeds unpunished.

Henry Commission chair faces complaint over ethics hearing witnesses

Commission chairwoman Carlotta Harrell allegedly directed county employees under subpoena to leave hearing.

Officials to install opioid reversal kits in Georgia’s public schools

The kits will contain Narcan, which can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and restore breathing.

Hanukkah and Kwanzaa round-up: 15 family-friendly events in Atlanta

Throughout December, families can partake in a host of festive activities to celebrate Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Here are 15 family-friendly events in Atlanta.

AJC Varsity

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Friday football recap: Buford, Carrollton set up potential national title game

Gainesville did what seemed impossible days ago — defeated No. 1-ranked Hughes in a Class 5A quarterfinal football game. Fourteen other teams also advanced Friday night.

In delayed quarterfinal playoff game, Gainesville knocks out top-ranked Hughes

Gainesville took command with a dominant finish to the first half and start to the second half, rolling to a statement 40-32 win over Hughes.

High school football playoffs blog recap: Highlights from Friday games

The latest high school football highlights from around the state for the fourth round of the GHSA playoffs.

High school scoreboard: Friday night’s football action around the state

Sports This Weekend

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OWLS

Odom-led comeback nets Conference USA championship for Kennesaw State

The Owls continue to be one of the most intriguing stories of the season, going from a two-win season to a conference title and beating the defending league champions.

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NFL

On the hot seat for Falcons: Special teams haven’t been very special

After basically costing the team the game against the Jets, Atlanta's special teams units will be on the hot seat when they face the Seahawks Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

2h ago

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NFL

X-factor Sunday: Can the Falcons run the ball vs. Seattle’s stout defense?

Seattle has the No. 2-ranked run defense in the NFL. The Seahawks, who defeated Minnesota 26-0 on Sunday, are coming off their first shutout since 2015.

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BULLDOGS

Kirby Smart reacts to Vanderbilt’s attempt to boost CFP chances

Georgia coach Kirby Smart shares his thoughts on Vanderbilt’s attempt to schedule an extra game to boost its College Football Playoff chances before rankings.

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BULLDOGS

UGA player who transferred owes $390K for licensing contract, suit says

Georgia is seeking $390,000 owed to the school as contracted with former edge rusher Damon Wilson ll, who transferred to Missouri in January.

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KEN SUGIURA

Once a character in UGA-Bama rivalry, Chris Conley now tells his own stories

After announcing his retirement from the NFL in June after a 10-year career, Chris Conley is back in Athens, pursuing a master’s degree at the UGA film school.

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AJC VARSITY

Gainesville-Carver flag football playoff game shortened due to fight

The GHSA is investigating, just two weeks after the tackle team was involved in a similar incident.

Weekend Things to Do

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15 family-friendly things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend

Happenings including holiday parades, a free Ludacris concert and the Dr Pepper SEC FanFare.

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FROM UATL

Civil rights museum opens sweeping new gallery on Reconstruction

‘Broken Promises’ traces the rise and violent undoing of America’s first multiracial democracy. And the legacies that endure.

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7 drive-through light shows that pledge to holly jolly your holiday spirits

A million lights is not enough to power many of these eye-popping Christmas displays in metro Atlanta and beyond.

Today's Videos

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Atlanta's AmericasMart sets the fashion trends months in advance

In Georgia, picking wild fruit could cost you $1,000 — unless you go here

Is Atlanta really the promised land for Black chefs?

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Over the past four decades, advances in scientific research and medications for HIV have transformed the disease from a...

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Right now is an important time to make decisions — especially for those who have Medicare or are helping loved ones who...

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Atlanta is a hub for cutting-edge medical care in the region, and home to one of the biggest groups of military...

Mellow Mushroom returns to downtown Decatur, and more from metro Atlanta’s dining scene

Three metro-area cooks celebrated a milestone, a new studio for cooking classes opened, and a Thai restaurant group announced its next concept in the Atlanta restaurant scene.

Cocktails to kick off the holiday season

A selection of the most festive cocktails in town for the holiday season.

Hot chocolate crawls, holiday parties headline December food events

December is full of holiday festivities and delicious events across metro Atlanta, including a hot chocolate crawl, an ugly sweater party and holiday karaoke.

The Darling Oyster Bar opens new location in Savannah and more from the coastal dining scene

Peek inside the Darling Oyster Bar's second location now open in Savannah, learn about one of Georgia's historic businesses and more in December's coastal dining dispatch.

World Cup

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U.S. gets good World Cup draw; Atlanta gets great possibilities

The matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium are scheduled to be played in June and July.

Getting to know the World Cup teams

Of the 48 teams that will make up the World Cup, 42 are already known. Get to know all 42.

Hey FIFA, Atlanta says it’s ready for the World Cup

Fans, players and dignitaries celebrate city’s place as ‘Soccer Capital of the United States.’

PHOTOS

Fans attend 2026 World Cup draw party in Atlanta

Fans gathered at Buckhead Village on Friday to find out which teams will be paired in group play for soccer’s biggest event.

Georgia and Metro News

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Why the Atlanta school board voted to close and repurpose some schools

Sixteen schools will be repurposed under the APS Forward 2040 plan as enrollment falls and the district seeks better resources for students.

Coweta man arrested on murder charges in deaths of women, ages 82 and 79

Brandon Christopher Jones faces two counts of murder, according to the Coweta sheriff’s office. He was related to and lived with the two women he’s accused of killing.

OSHA cites construction firm for violations after death at Qcells site

Federal investigators probing a man’s death earlier this year at the construction site of Qcells’ second Georgia solar factory have cited a contractor there for violations.

Man gets life in prison for 2020 mass shooting at Atlanta ‘street takeover’

Authorities acknowledged Jerry Emile couldn’t have been the only person to fire a weapon during the Fourth of July “street takeover.” But he was the only one convicted.

Latest Headlines

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OPINION

UATL

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FROM UATL

‘It’s UATL’ podcast: Keeping a positive body image

The hosts talk fad diets, BMI and Ozempic.

FROM UATL

The sixth-grade insult that sparked a question about her body for the first time

This week on "It's UATL" the hosts open up about the first time they noticed their bodies and when society’s beauty standards started to sink in.

LISTEN

‘It’s UATL’ podcast: Holy Booty: The Weight of Beauty Standards

As the only surviving daughter of Madame C.J. Walker, there was a lot of pressure on young A’Lelia to keep the family business of hair care products alive.

43m ago

Opinion and Voices

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GUEST COLUMN

Marjorie Taylor Greene should stand proud. Political fame comes with a cost.

Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene is a successful politician who amassed a following, but political fame comes with a cost, so I don't blame her for resigning.

GUEST COLUMN

Mayor Andre Dickens: Atlanta has a moral imperative to fix city’s inequality

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens says the city's inequalities require investing deeply in distressed neighborhoods. A key to this is extending Tax Allocation Districts for funding.

STEERING COLUMN

Nissan’s e-Power: An EV driving experience, fueled by gas

A new kind of hybrid, called e-Power, is coming to the U.S. from Nissan.

OPINION

Southeast data center surge comes with opportunities and many tradeoffs

Data centers are booming in the Southeast, especially in Georgia, but this comes with great costs for taxpayers, local community resources and the climate.

BILL TORPY

The buzzing skies of Woodstock: Walmart drones make it Air Drop City

Walmart trotted out a drone and pony show in Woodstock Wednesday to let the public know about its new delivery service in six suburban locations in metro Atlanta.

Turning the Page

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‘Fish wrapper’: The AJC’s complicated relationship with Georgia’s political class

How generations of Georgia leaders battled, berated and depended on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

As the printed paper nears an end, journalists share the moments that shaped them

The newsroom turns inward to share the breakthrough moments that shaped its staff.

In 1959, a girl found a way to get hired as a ‘newspaper boy’

Marie George Myers took over some of her older brother’s Atlanta paper routes. She recalls being the only girl on the roster of deliverers.

He’s delivered more than 2 million newspapers. Soon he’ll deliver his last.

Ride along with 72-year-old David Neeley as he nears his final delivery, coming to a hard stop early New Year’s Eve when the AJC ends its print edition.

Latest news

Politics

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OPINION

The 2020 election interference case is gone, but it can’t be forgotten

The decision by a Georgia prosecutor not to pursue the massive Trump election interference case leaves some bad deeds unpunished.

A viral confrontation and a sudden resignation shake up Georgia GOP

The man behind the vigilante sting operation that apparently netted a teenage GOP official says he has no regrets.

‘Fish wrapper’: The AJC’s complicated relationship with Georgia’s political class

How generations of Georgia leaders battled, berated and depended on the AJC.

Metro Atlanta

Henry Commission chair faces complaint over ethics hearing witnesses

Commission chairwoman Carlotta Harrell allegedly directed county employees under subpoena to leave hearing.

Hey FIFA, Atlanta says it’s ready for the World Cup

Fans, players and dignitaries celebrate city’s place as ‘Soccer Capital of the United States.’

AJC Peachtree Road Race updates: Stay on pace

The AJC's Nicole Bennett shares an update on her training, plus info on hip pain and some inspiration from an amazing kid.

Georgia

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OSHA cites construction firm for violations after death at Qcells site

Federal investigators probing a man’s death earlier this year at the construction site of Qcells’ second Georgia solar factory have cited a contractor there for violations.

Small-town Georgia DA brings almost as many RICO cases as Fulton’s Fani Willis

Griffin Judicial Circuit has brought 13 RICO indictments since June 2020.

Why Big Tech sees Georgia farmland as ripe for data centers

As areas around Atlanta have moved to curtail data center development, tech giants are scouring rural areas to plant massive server farms.

Opinion

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OPINION

Marjorie Taylor Greene should stand proud. Political fame comes with a cost.

Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene is a successful politician who amassed a following, but political fame comes with a cost, so I don't blame her for resigning.

OPINION

Mayor Andre Dickens: Atlanta has a moral imperative to fix city’s inequality

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens says the city's inequalities require investing deeply in distressed neighborhoods. A key to this is extending Tax Allocation Districts for funding.

Readers write

Falcons

Credit: Adam Hunger/AP

On the hot seat for Falcons: Special teams haven’t been very special

After basically costing the team the game against the Jets, Atlanta's special teams units will be on the hot seat when they face the Seahawks Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

2h ago

X-factor Sunday: Can the Falcons run the ball vs. Seattle’s stout defense?

Seattle has the No. 2-ranked run defense in the NFL. The Seahawks, who defeated Minnesota 26-0 on Sunday, are coming off their first shutout since 2015.

Falcons will be without two key starters for Sunday’s matchup vs. Seahawks

Bulldogs

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

UGA player who transferred owes $390K for licensing contract, suit says

Georgia is seeking $390,000 owed to the school as contracted with former edge rusher Damon Wilson ll, who transferred to Missouri in January.

2025 SEC championship: Game time, TV channel, streaming info, odds for UGA-Alabama

The No. 3 Georgia football team will take on the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide in a Week 15 college football game.

Once a character in UGA-Bama rivalry, Chris Conley now tells his own stories

After announcing his retirement from the NFL in June after a 10-year career, Chris Conley is back in Athens, pursuing a master’s degree at the UGA film school.

Georgia Tech

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More details of Brent Key’s contract

Georgia Tech coach Brent Key signed a contract extension with the school Wednesday which will pay him $6.5 million a year.

Who could be Georgia Tech’s next offensive coordinator?

Buster Faulkner’s departure is a major blow to Tech’s offense. Here are some possibilities as the team looks for the next coach to run the Yellow Jackets’ offense.

Future Yellow Jackets: A weekly look at Georgia Tech football commitments

Coach Brent Key has 23 high school seniors who have signed to play for Tech in 2026. Tech’s ‘26 recruiting class ranks 45th overall and 11th among ACC teams.

Hawks

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Jalen Johnson’s first-half triple-double not enough to lift Hawks past Nuggets

The Hawks led the Nuggets by 9 to start the fourth quarter, but the Nuggets went on a 26-7 run to take the lead for good.

Well-traveled Hawks lose to Clippers in return to State Farm Arena

The Atlanta Hawks fell to the Clippers Wednesday night but Atlanta was without Jalen Johnson, Trae Young and Kristas Porzingis.

Former Hawks sharpshooter Danilo Gallinari announces retirement

Gallinari suited up for the Hawks for two seasons and 117 games, where he averaged 12.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists per game.

Braves

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Braves Report: Making deals and voting Dale

Braves remain focused on pitching ahead of winter meetings

The Braves have ample spending room, so their options aren’t limited by finances. There are free-agent starters galore, and the trade market offers additional avenues.

Braves bring back reliever Danny Young on split contract

The Braves bring back left-hander Danny Young, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, on a nonguaranteed deal for bullpen depth.

United

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Getting to know the World Cup teams

Of the 48 teams that will make up the World Cup, 42 are already known. Get to know all 42.

U.S. gets good World Cup draw; Atlanta gets great possibilities

The World Cup draw was revealed Friday, and Atlanta could potentially host a number of exciting teams. The U.S. also received a favorable draw.

LIVE UPDATES

Check out the latest updates ahead of the FIFA World Cup draw announcement

High Schools

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Carrollton bottles up North Gwinnett, rolls into third state final in 4 years

The 48-21 victory over the Bulldogs puts the Trojans in the championship game of the state’s highest classification for the third time in four seasons.

1h ago

Carrollton, Buford earned No. 1 national football rankings prior to semifinals

High school football playoffs blog recap: Highlights from Friday games

The latest high school football highlights from around the state for the fourth round of the GHSA playoffs.

More Sports

Credit: Kennesaw State Athletics

Odom-led comeback nets Conference USA championship for Kennesaw State

The Owls continue to be one of the most intriguing stories of the season, going from a two-win season to a conference title and beating the defending league champions.

In delayed quarterfinal playoff game, Gainesville knocks out top-ranked Hughes

Gainesville took command with a dominant finish to the first half and start to the second half, rolling to a statement 40-32 win over Hughes.

Rush Propst wins eighth state title, first since Colquitt County in 2015

Rush Propst won his first state championship 2015, when he won at Colquitt County. Propst's Coosa Christian team took home the Alabama 2A state title.

Food & Dining

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Mellow Mushroom returns to downtown Decatur, and more from metro Atlanta’s dining scene

Three metro-area cooks celebrated a milestone, a new studio for cooking classes opened, and a Thai restaurant group announced its next concept in the Atlanta restaurant scene.

Central Texas-style barbecue compound opens on the Northeast Beltline

Acclaimed pitmaster John Lewis will open his Central Texas-style restaurant Lewis Barbecue in Ansley Mall on Dec. 8.

African print aprons, jumbo candy canes and more Southern-made products to try

December's mix of Southern-made food and kitchen products includes cheesecake dip mixes, ranch dressing in salt form and tea blends from Marietta, Georgia.

UATL

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FROM UATL

Civil rights museum opens sweeping new gallery on Reconstruction

A sweeping new gallery at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta tells the turbulent, often tragic story of the Reconstruction Era in U.S. history.

FROM UATL

‘It’s UATL’ podcast: Keeping a positive body image

The hosts talk fad diets, BMI and Ozempic.

FROM UATL

Christian rapper Lecrae debuts poetry and essay collection ‘Set Me Free’

In an interview with UATL, the Grammy-winning Christian hip-hop artist calls his essay collection “Set Me Free: The Good News of God’s Relentless Pursuits” experimental art.

Things to Do

Credit: Jenni Girtman

Hanukkah and Kwanzaa round-up: 15 family-friendly events in Atlanta

Throughout December, families can partake in a host of festive activities to celebrate Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Here are 15 family-friendly events in Atlanta.

AJC Peachtree Road Race updates: Stay on pace

The AJC's Nicole Bennett shares an update on her training, plus info on hip pain and some inspiration from an amazing kid.

Where can I find it?

Where you can find ground sumac and where to transform an antique rug into pillows.

Lifestyle

Sea Island house sale of $30 million viewed as Georgia record

John Portman’s Sea Island residence sold this week for $30 million, the highest home price in Georgia history.

Holiday etiquette: Should you quit gifting if they don’t thank you?

Experts share how to handle unacknowledged gifts without losing your holiday spirit.

Why thousands of metro Atlanta sellers pulled their homes off the market

The number of delistings in metro Atlanta grew 41% in September from the same month a year ago, a recent report said.

Entertainment

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Michelle Pfeiffer plays put-upon mom in Atlanta-shot Amazon Xmas film

Michelle Pfeiffer plays a mom who feels neglected by her family during Christmas in the new Amazon film "Oh. What. Fun." shot in Atlanta during the summer of 2025.

OK Go, known as the ‘treadmill guys,’ can also bring it live

OK Go, known for their viral treadmill video and many others, is also a high energy live band, coming to the Eastern on Sunday.

Cam Newton wants to honor BET’s ‘106 & Park’ with ‘106 & Sports,’ not copy it

BET has a new Atlanta-based show "106 & Sports" led by Cam Newton that honors the original "106 & Park" which shot out of New York City from 2000 to 2014.

Travel

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DISPATCH

This sight in a Georgia town’s skyline just might bring tears to your eyes

Amid rolling Georgia farmland that is home to the Vidalia onion, an architecture-meets-agriculture ornament sits atop the Toombs County courthouse.

Pirate museum a new addition to Savannah’s maritime attractions

Savannah Pirates and Treasure Museum is the newest attraction in a city filled with history to experience in its museums, dining and even accommodations.

Wellness

Credit: Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta

New infant heart stent offers fresh hope for Georgia families

A Georgia couple finds hope after their child receives a first-of-its-kind stent system, placing Children's among the first hospitals to use the innovative technology.

Grady expands care with two outpatient facilities in DeKalb County

Grady Health System is expanding outpatient services to DeKalb County, strengthening its reach and impact across metro Atlanta.

This Marietta salon helps Santas get holiday-ready

A Marietta salon brightens and dyes Santas' beards long before the Christmas festivities begin.

Special Features

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Southern Classics — Reimagined

Aging in Atlanta

AJC Pulse Magazine

Photos

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Photos: Creekside tops Kell in GHSA semifinal

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Photos: Gainesville takes down top-ranked Hughes in GHSA playoffs

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Photos: 2026 World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

The World Cup draw and the city-by-city schedule are the two most anticipated moments soccer fans have been waiting for since the tournament was awarded to the U.S.